In the past, coconut oil has been maligned as a bad oil. It was recommended, that in the interest of good health , we steer clear of this saturated fat laden product. It’s true, coconut oil is 90% saturated fat, and yes, saturated fats are believed to be responsible for clogging arteries and causing heart disease. But, the saturated fats in coconut oil are different, and recent scientific studies has shown they are actually good for you.
Long chain saturated fats, like those found in butter and beef tallow, are linked to high cholesterol and heart disease. These saturated fats need to be consumed in moderation. The fats in coconut oil are medium chain saturated fats . They are absorbed via a different mechanism and are far easier for our bodies to break down and utilize.
Consuming coconut oil has actually been shown to improve overall blood cholesterol levels. The fats in coconut oil have been linked to increases in the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol and decreases in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol.
Coconut oil received its bad reputation based on studies completed using hydrogenated coconut oil.
Hydrogenation of oil alters its chemical structure and in doing so destroys the good essential fatty acids, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. To make matters worse, hydrogenation also creates trans fats, which are recognized as detrimental to our health.
Virgin coconut oil has not been hydrogenated or chemically treated.
Coconut oil is not only not bad for you, it also has a wide range of health supporting properties. Most of these are based on its
antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral effects. Ayurvedic medicine has long incorporated coconut oil into its natural healing treatments.
By adding coconut oil to your diet you can take advantage of its benefit to digestive function, vitamin and mineral absorption, liver, pancreas, kidney and thyroid function and fortify your immune system.
Applied externally to skin coconut oil promotes healing, improves skin conditions like nappy rash, acts as a moisturizer, prevents aging and is a sweet smelling massage oil.
When seeking out coconut oil it is important to look for organic virgin coconut oil. This ensures its health supporting properties have not been destroyed by processing and you are supporting farming practices that are environmentally sustainable.